Researchers from the Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) School of Non-Destructive Testing have introduced a mobile robotic system for thermoacoustic defect detection in composites and metals. The system’s compact size enables it to inspect large objects and complex geometries directly at manufacturing or maintenance sites. Using a robotic manipulator, the unit detects hidden defects by inducing mechanical vibrations, generating heat in damaged areas, which is then captured by a thermal imager.
The technology, based on the thermoacoustic method, is one of the most promising approaches for detecting hidden surface and subsurface defects, such as delaminations and cracks, that are challenging to spot using other NDT methods.
Earlier, TPU developed a fixed thermoacoustic testing unit, now in use at NPO Energomash, a part of a larger non-destructive testing (NDT) system. The new mobile unit, however, enhances testing efficiency with preprogrammed trajectories, making it suitable for diverse and complex industrial applications.
Arseniy Chulkov, acting head of TPU’s Center for Industrial Tomography, emphasized the breakthrough: “Our new mobile robotic cell stands out for its mobility and flexibility, making it suitable for on-site inspections and immediate testing at manufacturing locations. This brings more versatility to NDT and opens new possibilities for testing complex geometries."
